STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Blood Oath"
(fka "The Beast")
#40512-439
Written by
Peter Allan Fields
Directed by
Rick Kolbe
THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED
FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING
WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
Copyright 1994 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.
Return to Script Department FINAL DRAFT
PARAMOUNT PICTURES CORPORATION
January 25, 1994
STAR TREK: DS9 - "Blood Oath" - 01/25/94 - CAST
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Blood Oath"
CAST
SISKO KANG
KIRA KOR
ODO KOLOTH
QUARK ALBINO
BASHIR GUARD
DAX
Non-Speaking Non-Speaking
N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES N.D. GUARDS
N.D. DABO GIRLS
STAR TREK: DS9 - "Blood Oath" - 01/25/94 - SETS
STAR TREK: DEEP-SPACE NINE
"Blood Oath"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
DEEP SPACE NINE DEEP SPACE NINE
OPS
DAX'S QUARTERS BIRD OF PREY
HOLOSUITE
QUARK'S/UPPER LEVEL SECARUS FOUR
INFIRMARY
REPLIMAT COMPOUND
PROMENADE/SECOND LEVEL
SECURITY OFFICE/HOLDING CELL FOREST
BIRD OF PREY
COMPOUND/SECURITY COMMAND CENTER
STAR TREK: "Blood Oath" - 01/26/94 - PRONUNCIATION
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Blood Oath"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
BAAKONITE BAH-ko-nite
BAHGOL BAH-gol
BAT'LETH BAT'leth
BECHT BECHT
BRESHTANTI bresh-TANT-i
CARDASSIAN car-DASS-ee-en
CHERON CHE-ron
D'AKTURAK dak-TUR-ak
DAHAR da-HAR.
DAYOS DA-yos
DLORN dl-ORN
GALDONTERRE gal-dont-AIR
GALVINATOR GAL-vin-ay-tor
GHOPTU GOP-tu
K'PEKT k'PEKT
KAH'PLAHT kah-PLAKT
KAHIXSS KAY-less
KAJUNPAK'T ka-JUN-pak't
KANG KANG
KLACH D'KEL BRAKT klac d'kel BRAKT
KOLOTH KO-loth
KOR KOOR
KORVAT KOR-vat
KUTTARS kut-TARS
KYAMO ki-YA-mo
N'YENGOREN n'yeng'O-ren
P'TACKT p'TAKT
QIVON KEE-von
RACHT RAcht
RIDDINITE RID-in-ite
SECARUS sec-A-rus
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - 01/25/94 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Blood Oath"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 INT. QUARK'S
ODO and QUARK ascending the stairs to the second level.
QUARK
(anxious, mid-
conversation)
... only paid for one hour... and
he's been in there for three...
fighting the Battle of Klachdachbrach
or some such thing over and over...
ODO
The Battle of Klach D'kel Brakt was
a legendary Klingon victory over the
Romulans almost a century ago...
QUARK
Well, he's been losing it all
afternoon and he says he's not coming
out until he wins... I banged on the
door, he sealed himself in. I
threatened to shut off the power, he
threatened to kill me.
2 SECOND LEVEL - OUTSIDE HOLOSUITE #
As Odo and Quark approach the closed holosuite door,
we'll hear (from within) the wild laughter of one
(o.s.) Klingon (KOR), and the sound of warrior blades
clashing in combat -- then:
KOR (O.S.)
("You'll be remembered
with honor; now die!")
Battlda-Kow-loo-takh. DaH Hegh!
And finally, the death scream of a vanquished foe, as:
KOR (O.S.)
("Success!")
Kkhap-LA! ShusH-kin'Hurra!
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 01/26/94 - TEASER 2.
2 CONTINUED:
Throughout the above:
ODO
Since when did you add ancient Klingon
battles to the holosuite programs?
QUARK
The Captain of the last Klingon ship
that went through the wormhole sold
some to me. I know, I know -- it's
brutal, it's violent, it's bloody
but to the Klingons, it's
entertainment.
ODO
Shut off the power.
QUARK
(scared)
He'll kill you.
ODO
No, he said he'd kill you. Shut it
off.
Quark produces a simple, pencil-shaped metal "key" -- inserts
it into a single small hole in the wall alongside the door --
turns the key... Long beat, before:
KOR (O.S.)
("What's going on?")
chay'pen Aha'bA?
3 ANGLE INCLUDING KOR
Another beat before the door is wrenched open manually from
within -- and the elderly Klingon former-warrior KOR bursts
out to confront Odo and Quark. He's big, broad and a
naturally effusive, good-natured slob. Right now, he's very
drunk. In one hand, he holds a transparent bottle which is
four-fifths empty. (Not being in very good health, he'll be
plagued throughout the episode by an intermittent COUGH.)
He explodes from the doorway in a rage...
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - 01/25/94 - TEASER 3.
3 CONTINUED:
KOR
(senseless threatening
roar)
AR GOT K'NEL D'KULLUH MARG RAH GOL
LOOOOOOOOW!!!!!
Quark shrinks behind Odo... who cooly lets the Klingon blow
off his steam...
KOR
(continuing)
You dare interrupt the Battle of
Klach D'kel Brakt, you Ferengi k'pekt!
While Quark is, of course, cringing, Odo remains relaxed;
implacable. He simply takes the bottle from Kor; holds it
up to confirm for himself, and us, that it's almost empty.
ODO
The battle has been won. The people
are waiting to celebrate your victory.
KOR
(stopped in his tracks)
They are?
Fine. And, not realizing that he's actually preceding
Odo down the stairs...
KOR
Lead the way then!
4 MAIN LEVEL
as Kor descends -- eyes the crowd.
KOR
(loudly; to all)
Hear me!
(blustering)
I am Kor! Dahar Master of the
Klingons!
The crowd gives him the fish-eye, just another day at
Quark's... but he smiles and embraces their glance as if it
were a standing ovation.
And now turning to his new aide-de-camp, Odo...
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 01/26/94 - TEASER 4.
4 CONTINUED:
KOR
And now I need somewhere to rest.
ODO
I have just the place.
KOR
No, this will do just fine.
And, stiff as a board, he capsizes forward to fall out of
SHOT... As we hear the (o.s.) crash...
5 OMITTED
6 INT. SECURITY OFFICE - ON A MONITOR (OPTICAL)
to see Kor in a holding cell asleep, his loud snoring can be
heard from the holding area... pulling back to find Odo at
his desk working, frowning at the bothersome sound... the
door to the Promenade is open... pushing in close on his
face... taking the time to stay there a beat... and then
suddenly Odo senses a presence nearby... his head wheels
and he sees --
7 ANGLE - ANOTHER KLINGON (KOLOTH)
The Klingon is, perhaps, even older than Kor. But, in
contrast, Koloth is still ramrod straight and has kept himself
in obvious fighting trim. Koloth has not chimed for entry,
nor knocked on the door. He's just standing there. Waiting.
His entire being has the look of coiled spring steel. The
man seems to have appeared out of thin air.
Odo springs to his feet ready to defend himself...
ODO
How did you get in here?
Dry, calm, cool --
KOLOTH
I am Koloth.
ODO
That doesn't answer my question.
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - 01/25/94 - TEASER 5.
7 CONTINUED:
KOLOTH
Yes. It does.
Odo raises an eyebrow, if he has one, to that. Motioning
toward the sound from the back room --
KOLOTH
What are the charges against him...
ODO
Charges? No charges. He's today's
guest of honor.
KOLOTH
(with a very cold
threat)
You must be a very brave man to
attempt humor at the expense of a
Klingon Dahar Master.
Odo measures this strange old man and does something rather
incredible --
ODO
I... apologize. No offense intended.
It's a rare moment, but somehow Odo realizes it was the
necessary and correct thing to do. Koloth barely
acknowledges... strides back into the --
8 INT. HOLDING CELL - CLOSE ON KOR'S FACE
Still out cold.
KOLOTH
Kor!
Kor stirs -- tries to get rid of the foul taste in his mouth --
will finally open his eyes (squinting against the light and
the usual hangover headache) to focus in on who's disturbing
him.
9 ANGLE INCLUDING ODO & KOLOTH
Koloth looks through at Kor with disdain and disgust.
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 01/26/94 - TEASER 6-6A.
9 CONTINUED:
ODO
(to Kor)
Sir, if you'll wake up, I'll
release you into your friend's custody.
At recognition of Koloth, Kor huffs and puffs to a sitting
position on the bunk (still a little loaded) and, with slack-
jawed grin:
KOR
Koloth!
(sentimentally)
wIj jup... My old friend. I knew
you'd be here.
KOLOTH
(to Kor)
You disgrace yourself and our
purpose. I do not go into battle
with one whose honor is washed
away in Breshtanti ale...
(to Odo)
Keep him.
And that's that. Koloth does a brisk, crisp 180, and strides
out. Kor looks after him -- sadly -- and then plops heavily
back down on the bunk -- probably asleep again even as he
hits the headrest. Odo considers the curious events...
9A
thru OMITTED
9B
10 INT. OPS
DAX and KIRA at their stations. Odo arrives on the Turbolift
with a PADD... moves to Kira and hands it to her...
ODO
The security reassignments, Major.
I'm sorry it took so long. It's
been a Klingon afternoon.
KIRA
A "Klingon afternoon"?
ODO
Every time Klingons come to the
station, I wind up with a Klingon
afternoon. But this was definitely
one that I'll cherish forever.
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - 01/25/94 - TEASER 7.
10 CONTINUED:
ODO
There's a drunk Klingon in my holding
cell who must be a hundred years old
singing battle songs. Even his best
friend who's probably a hundred and
fifty years old won't have anything
to do with him... so I get the
pleasure of listening to his
repertoire. "Kor! Dahar Master of
the Klingons."
Dax's face goes pale...
DAX
Did you say "Kor"?
ODO
That's what he announced right after
he won the Battle of Klach D'kel
Brakt in Quark's...
She rises...
DAX
(to herself)
What's he doing here... did you get
his friend's name, Odo? Was it Kang?
Odo reacts to her recognition...
ODO
No, it was...
DAX & ODO
...Koloth.
She moves to the Turbolift...
DAX
Come with me, Odo.
Odo exchanges a curious glance with Kira, follows Dax...
11 INT. HOLDING CELL (OPTICAL)
As Dax ENTERS with Odo, Kor, still a little tipsy, is still
singing his song:
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - 01/25/94 - TEASER 8.
11 CONTINUED:
KOR
(singing)
B'aski't Kor, B'askr'ip Kor,
KoHman-a-ti, B'aski't Kor.
She looks at him with a certain affection mixed with the
look that seeing someone who has gotten very old brings...
plus in the back of her mind is a concern for why he's here.
DAX
Hello, Kor.
KOR
I'm thirsty.
DAX
Let him out.
ODO
Lieutenant...
DAX
I'll take responsibility.
Beat -- Odo DEACTIVATES the forcefield.
KOR
I am very thirsty.
DAX
Kor, do you remember Curzon Dax?
KOR
Curzon? My dear friend Curzon? I
lift my ghoptu to Curzon Dax!
DAX
And I, who was Curzon Dax lift my
ghoptu to you.
(off his look of
disbelief)
Scorcher burn on your fourteenth
rib, and your left QiVon aches every
time your ship hits warp eight.
Kor not only recalls, but will work himself into beaming,
expansive joy, during:
KOR
Dax! My Curzon! After eighty-one
years I find you a Kyamo-looking
woman. Kiss me!
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - 01/25/94 - TEASER 9.
11 CONTINUED: (2)
DAX
How about just a nice, big hug...
He literally envelopes her in his happy bear-hug.
KOR
Curzon; my beloved old friend!
DAX
(gasp)
I'm... Jadzia now.
KOR
(whatever)
Jadzia; my beloved old friend!
DAX
Come on, Kor, let's go find Koloth.
KOR
(foggy)
Koloth's here too?
They EXIT. Off Odo's look --
12 INT. REPLIMAT
Koloth is seated, still ramrod straight. With calculated
precision, he slices downward with an ornate, deadly but
small Klingon knife...
13 CLOSE - KLINGON (DISGUSTING) FOOD
... As it is cut exactly in half.
14 RESUME - SHOT
Koloth studies the exactitude of his slice.
15 INCLUDING DAX & KOR
as they arrive, with:
KOR
(to Dax)
Look at him. He practices cuts and
thrusts even with his food.
(at Koloth)
Little children do that!
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - 01/25/94 - TEASER 10.
15 CONTINUED:
KOLOTH
A sharp knife is nothing without a
sharp eye.
KOR
(to Dax)
It's been forty years since even his
good eye was sharp.
(to Koloth)
It is luck when you hit the plate!
KOLOTH
(re: Dax; disdain)
I see the Federation insults us by
sending a Lieutenant to greet us.
DAX
(with a different but
still affectionate
response)
You never did have much use for the
Federation, did you, Koloth?
Koloth narrows an eye toward her. "Do I know you?" his look
seems to say. She smiles evenly, nods...
DAX
(continuing)
I used to call you D'akturak. "Ice
man." Because no proposal, no matter
how reasonable, no matter how much
it favored the Klingon Empire would
satisfy you. You were the hardest
man I ever faced across the
negotiating table.
KOR
(delighted at Koloth's
confusion)
Do you not recognize our old friend
Dax?
KOLOTH
Dax?
DAX
Curzon is dead. But Dax is alive as
part of me.
Koloth studies her a long beat, then turns to Kor. Cool and
remote.
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - 01/25/94 - TEASER 11.
15 CONTINUED: (2)
KOLOTH
This is a mistake. Kang must not
have known.
KOR
(flirting)
But what a beautiful mistake.
DAX
Then Kang is coming?
KOR
Of course, he's coming. He's brought
the four of us back together after
eighty-one years...
DAX
Could it possibly mean that he's...
KANG (O.S.)
Yes. That is exactly what it means.
At the sound of the (o.s.) voice, everyone turns... and even
the coolly distant Koloth rises instantly, in automatic
respect.
16 FAVORING KANG
as he reaches them from the Promenade in b.g.. Despite his
advanced years, Kang's pride and prowess are evident in his
bearing. But he doesn't boast the usual Klingon swagger.
If he has lost anything with the passage of the years, it is
pomposity. He is a leader -- albeit a melancholy one.
KANG
I have found the Albino.
HOLD on his somber face, until we...
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 01/26/94 - ACT ONE 12.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)
17 OMITTED
18 INT. DAX'S QUARTERS
As the door slides open and Dax leads the way in. Kang is
in first and he studies the surroundings, uncomfortable with
Jadzia, considering what to do about her in his mind.
Meanwhile, she is drawing entirely on Curzon's experience to
guide her... and yet there is already an internal conflict
forming within her between Curzon's commitment to these three
and Jadzia's concern about the mission she knows they are
here to pursue...
DAX
May I offer you some warm Bahgol...
the replicators are Cardassian but
we've been upgrading their...
KANG
(interrupting, remote)
That will not be necessary.
And nothing is simple here, this signals a clear reservation
from Kang about Jadzia and she understands, doesn't move
away from the confrontation...
DAX
Would you dishonor me by refusing my
offer?
Kang stares at her a moment, then nods...
KANG
Very well.
She nods with a diplomatic victory and before she moves to
the replicator, she casually moves one chair in the room to
a dominant position and indicates it is for Kang.
DAX
Would you sit, Kang?
These are big things.
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - 01/25/94 - ACT ONE 13.
18 CONTINUED:
KANG
I would.
He moves with a stoneface to the chair and sits... the others
sit in lesser positions. Koloth and Kor briefly bump each
other going for the seat at Kang's left but Koloth easily
wins that battle and Kor settles for a seat facing Kang.
The weakest position, at Kang's right, is left open for Dax.
Meanwhile, she is pleased they are seated and as she moves
to the replicator...
DAX
(to replicator)
Four Bahgols. Warm.
The replicator lights up and she pulls out a tray with four
small saki-like glasses containing the juice. Moving back...
DAX
Do you remember the first time we
sat together over Bahgol, Kang? It
was at the Korvat colony. The
Federation and the Klingon Empire
were still enemies...
KANG
I have never sat with you before
today.
And this is clearly a setback for Dax... and it requires a
strong, confidant response.
DAX
I am Dax, the godfather of your son.
KOLOTH
You are no one's godfather.
Kor cringes at the taste of the juice. Dax never takes her
eyes off of Kang.
DAX
(repeating for emphasis)
I am Dax, the godfather of your son.
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 01/26/94 - ACT ONE 14.
18 CONTINUED: (2)
KANG
(refusing to accept)
So, you are the same Dax who took a
blood oath with us to seek
vengeance...
Dax wants to avoid discussion of her blood oath for the moment
because she doesn't know how she feels about it.
DAX
Don't mistake a new face for a new
soul, Kang. I feel at one with your
family. Just as I felt eight decades
ago.
A long look between them.
DAX
(continuing)
I hope in time you will embrace me
as a brother again.
KOLOTH
(scoffs under his
breath)
Brother. Ha!
KOR
Brother, sister... what's the
difference. We're here now. Speak
to us, Kang. Where is he? Where
did you find the Albino? Do you
have anything stronger perhaps?
The last is said to Dax without pause...
KOLOTH
You drink another klorn of ale and I
will open a hole in your belly to
drain it out.
KOR
Your eyes cannot even see my belly.
Kang waves a hand to shut them up as he still stares at Dax
then turns his attention to his story...
KANG
Seven years ago, on Dayos Four, I
met one of the Albino's discarded
wives.
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - 01/25/94 - ACT ONE 15.
18 CONTINUED: (3)
KANG
I fed and clothed her and told her
the story of our sons. She still
feared him too much to tell me
anything. But three months ago, she
died. A week afterwards, an amulet
that she wore around her neck arrived
by messenger. Inside: the location
of the Albino's sanctuary.
KOLOTH
You're certain he's still there?
KANG
I have confirmed it with traders who
supply him. It is on the fourth
planet in the Secarus System. He
has been hiding there for almost a
quarter of a century.
KOR
Hiding from us, no doubt. We almost
had him at Galdonterre...
His speech is interrupted by coughing, which continues through
his next line.
KOLOTH
I've worried for years that he might
die before we found him again.
KOR
Or that we might...
KOLOTH
What is your plan...
KANG
I am told his compound is protected
by only forty men. Apparently, he
has grown careless in his waning
years.
KOR
The fool.
DAX
I wouldn't count on reports from
traders. The Albino may have told
them what to say if anyone asked
questions.
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - 01/25/94 - ACT ONE 16.
18 CONTINUED: (4)
KOLOTH
She's right. These traders may have
already warned him that we're coming.
KANG
(evenly)
They will warn no one ever again.
(a beat)
This time, nothing will prevent us
from reaching the Albino.
(continuing, to Dax)
And when we do, I will cut out his
heart and eat it as he watches me
with his dying breath.
On Dax.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 01/27/94 - ACT TWO 17.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
19 OMITTED
20 INT. PROMENADE - SECOND LEVEL
Moving with Kang and Dax, who walk slowly. Kang looks at the
floor thoughtfully. He is slightly more casual than before.
But only because he knows he is going to dump her. After a
long beat.
KANG
I did not know of course.
DAX
About Curzon... ?
KANG
(nods)
I was unwilling to risk contacting
you by subspace.
DAX
I don't blame you. That's how the
Albino learned we were coming to
Galdonterre...
KANG
His ears reach across the galaxy. I
don't know how.
(beat)
Tell me about my friend Curzon. Did
he die an honorable death?
DAX
(sighs, shakes her
head)
In a hospital room. Yelling at the
doctors and friends who were trying
to keep him alive for one more
miserable day.
KANG
A pity. He was a good man. He
deserved to die in battle. It pains
me that I will not see him again in
this life.
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 01/26/94 - ACT TWO 18.
20 CONTINUED:
DAX
Curzon was decorated often for his
diplomatic achievements... but no
honor touched him as deeply as yours.
For a Klingon to choose a Federation
official to be the godfather to his
son...
KANG
Curzon Dax opened the door to peace.
He was the first Federation diplomat
I ever met who seemed to... truly
appreciate the Klingon nature.
DAX
(with a grin)
Well, there was always a bit of the
Klingon nature in Curzon.
Kang smiles, nods. Dax takes a beat, ready to approach the
subject she's not sure how to feel about...
DAX
His blood oath with you was very
important to him.
KANG
(casual)
Would you eat from the heart of the
Albino, Jadzia Dax?
She doesn't answer right away and he doesn't give her time
to think about it.
KANG
I learned about Trills during my
long friendship with Curzon. And I
know that each new host has no
obligation to past commitments.
DAX
And I know that a Klingon blood
oath can never be broken.
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT TWO 19.
20 CONTINUED: (2)
KANG
(dismisses that)
The old Klingon ways are passing.
When I was a young man, the mere
mention of the Klingon Empire made
other worlds tremble. Today, warriors
open restaurants to serve racht to
the grandchildren of men I slaughtered
in battle. Nothing is what it used
to be. Including a blood oath.
DAX
I know you, Kang. You don't believe
that.
KANG
What I believe is no longer relevant.
You are released from Curzon's oath.
You owe nothing to any of us.
He moves away from her... on her uncertain face...
21 INT. OPS
Kira and Dax working together at the table. Only one
Supernumerary.
KIRA
(checking sensors)
Are you still reading that plasma
leak in Lower Pylon One... ? I can't
seem to find it now...
DAX
It's been intermittent... let me do
a high-resolution scan...
She presses some panels... much on her mind, trying to be
casual...
DAX
Kira...
KIRA
Hmm...
DAX
How many people did you kill?
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - 01/25/94 - ACT TWO 20.
21 CONTINUED:
KIRA
(reacts)
What?
DAX
While you were in the underground...
Kira is promptly uncomfortable about discussing it... still
feels the guilt of the violence...
KIRA
Too many.
DAX
Were they all just... faceless
Cardassians or did you know who you
were killing?
KIRA
Why are we talking about this?
DAX
If it bothers you, we can stop.
KIRA
(irritated)
It bothers me.
DAX
Sorry.
Kira shakes her head at this, tries to lighten up... joking --
KIRA
(lightly)
Why, are you thinking about killing
somebody?
DAX
(looks up, smiles,
good try)
Me?
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - 01/25/94 - ACT TWO 21.
21 CONTINUED: (2)
And just like that Kira knows... she does a double take
then grabs Dax's arm and pulls her away from the table to a
more isolated spot in Ops.
KIRA
Tell me.
DAX
I don't know what you're talking
about.
KIRA
Tell me.
DAX
(beat, sighs)
Eighty years ago, there was a band
of depredators, led by an Albino,
raiding Klingon colonies. Three
Klingon warships were sent out to
stop him. One of the captains was a
close friend of Curzon's. The mission
was successful. Most of them were
captured. But the Albino escaped.
In his last message to the Klingons,
he promised to take his revenge on
the firstborn of each of the three
captains. A few years later, he
kept his word. Somehow, he infected
three innocent children with a genetic
virus that killed them. One of them
was my godson.
KIRA
(sympathetic)
I'm sorry. But Jadzia, that was
Curzon's godson.
Dax looks up, refusing to separate herself from Curzon...
DAX
I took a blood oath to revenge his
death.
KIRA
Curzon took a blood oath.
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 01/26/94 - ACT TWO 21A-22.
21 CONTINUED: (3)
DAX
(a tear rolls down
her cheek)
I can still remember the boy's
funeral.
(softly)
He was named Dax. For me.
KIRA
(beat)
You've found this Albino?
DAX
We know where he is. The three
Klingons came here to tell me...
KIRA
Look; you've said yourself that every
new life for a Trill has to be new.
If not you'd wind up paying off old
debts forever. These Klingons can't
possibly expect you to keep this
oath.
DAX
No, they don't. That's just it.
They say I have no obligation to
them. But I do. I know it. I feel
it.
(beat)
If not to them, I owe it to Curzon.
She starts to move away...
KIRA
Jadzia...
(Dax stops)
Your questions... about my experience
with killing... If you're wondering
what it's like...
(beat)
When you take someone else's life,
you lose a part of your own as well.
Dax exchanges a somber look with Kira and EXITS...
22 INT. QUARK'S
Kor sits at a table. Drunk. TWO DABO GIRLS (human) on his
lap, supported by both of his widespread arms. A huge flagon
of gamzian wine on the table before his huge frame.
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 01/26/94 - ACT TWO 23.
22 CONTINUED:
Except for his intermittent nagging COUGH, a very merry,
carefree time for all... As Dax approaches from b.g..
KOR
(eyeing flagon)
I need another arm! Or am I doomed
to choose between...
(re: girls)
...perfection...
(re: flagon)
... and palate.
As Dax arrives and reaches to bring the flagon to his lips,
during:
DAX
Let me spare you that terrible
decision.
KOR
(to Dax; "Well done!")
majQa'! To the rescue. Dax, may I
present these, uh...
(snuggling)
... two students of Klingon history.
DAX
(to Dabo girls)
Will you excuse us for a minute?
The two Dabo Girls disengage -- rise -- will EXIT, as:
KOR
(to Dabo Girls)
Only a minute, my students!
(to Dax)
Well, you certainly don't share
Curzon's priorities.
DAX
About going after the Albino I do.
Kor gets more serious. Evasively drinks.
DAX
(sits)
Kang and Koloth don't want me to
come with you.
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 01/26/94 - ACT TWO 24.
22 CONTINUED: (2)
KOR
(semi-occupied with
girls)
Kang thinks too much; Koloth doesn't
feel enough.
DAX
Where do you stand?
KOR
Of course you should come! The
splendor of fighting and killing; a
bloodbath in the cause of vengeance;
who wouldn't want to come!
DAX
Will you speak to them about it? It
means far more to me than I thought.
KOR
Koloth spends his time practicing in
the holosuite; he listens to no one.
And if Kang's made up his mind, there
is nothing I can do.
DAX
And you call yourself a history
teacher? What of your own history?
You are Kor, Dahar Master. They
cheered you at Klach D'kel Brakt.
Your voice weighed heavily on the
course of Klingon events.
KOR
You shame me.
DAX
(quickly; earnestly)
No, no, please don't feel that...
KOR
(wryly)
The only weight I carry now, dear
comrade... is my own bulbous body.
I was once, if you remember...
(re: his belly)
... far less than you see, and...
(recalls sadly)
... far more than I have become.
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 01/26/94 - ACT TWO 25.
22 CONTINUED: (3)
KOR
(beat)
I'm sorry.
DAX
(rises; gently)
My memories are still of Kor... a
great warrior.
And Dax moves off the way she came. Beat -- then Kor forces
himself to perk up again and bluster his frivolity, with:
KOR
Quark, you devious little Ha'DIbaH!
("animal!") Bring wine!
23 OMITTED
24 INT. HOLOSUITE
A dark, neutral b.g., with everything shrouded in fog. And
in the middle of it stands Koloth -- practicing ("tai-chi"-
style) Klingon swordplay with his bat'leth (a semicircular
curved blade which branches to four points. About three
feet wide. It is held by two handles on the mid-exterior of
the blade. It can be used as either a shield or a sword --
see TNG episode "The Reunion.") His every moves seems a
step out of some deadly ballet. He pauses an instant after
every change in footing and each sweep or slice of the blade --
gauging the perfection of the move just made. His focus is
so intense that he seems to be totally unaware of...
25 DAX
as, moving into visibility out of the fog, she moves slowly
forward to watch...
26 KOLOTH
... still "practicing" his deadly art.
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - 01/25/94 - ACT TWO 26.
27 DAX & KOLOTH
She comes from BEHIND CAMERA, which will now be looking OVER
HER SHOULDER, at Koloth. He gives no hint of knowing she's
present. Yet, suddenly, he executes a quick simultaneous
change in direction of both feet and his overhead chopping
lunge with the blade.
It sweeps around to speed downward toward Dax's head --
stopping abruptly only a couple inches from her skull. She
doesn't even flinch.
28 ANOTHER ANGLE
They stand for a moment as they were: He facing her with
blade two inches from her head -- she, totally unafraid and
unflinching, still just standing there looking him straight
in the eye.
DAX
(finally)
Nice of you to stop.
(off his silence)
I'm going with you.
Koloth lowers his blade -- moves out of attack position.
KOLOTH
Curzon Dax was a politician. It was
a diplomatic ploy to bond himself to
us in a blood oath.
DAX
(calmly)
That's a lie.
She's again just risked getting her head chopped off. For
just an instant, and almost reflexively, Koloth tenses for
the kill. But again, her calmness -- and her facial
expression that tells him she's speaking the truth -- cause
that charged instant to pass. But he's still not thrilled
with being called a liar.
KOLOTH
(deadly)
I am practicing here. Leave while
you can.
DAX
When you agree that I can fulfill my
part of the oath.
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - 01/25/94 - ACT TWO 27.
28 CONTINUED:
KOLOTH
Your presence would only jeopardize
the rest of us. Leave me.
29 FAVORING DAX (OPTICAL)
DAX
Computer. I want a Klingon bat'leth:
tip to tip one hundred and sixteen
centimeters, weight five-point-three
kilos with exterior handgripping
diameter of five centimeters. Blades
of composite Baakonite.
Dax holds her hands out in the proper bat'leth gripping
position, and the specified weapon MATERIALIZES in her grip.
30 DAX & KOLOTH
KOLOTH
(re: her bat'leth)
A warrior's configuration.
(condescending)
Now what do you do with it?
DAX
I fight you with it.
His condescending tone spreads to include a condescending
little smile.
KOLOTH
If my hand should slip, and you should
die?
DAX
Your hand would never slip... unless
you've become old and feeble.
That's incentive enough for Koloth. Instantly, he assumes
the initial battle position. Dax then does the same. Let
the games begin...
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - 01/25/94 - ACT TWO 28.
31 SERIES OF SHOTS - THE BAT'LETH DUEL
They feel each other out with a quick series of tentative
lower blade thrusts and parries. Then the switch to a sudden
upper blade sweep by Koloth, parried with an equally speedy
upper blade parry by Dax. Another lower Koloth thrust; a
switch by Dax fast enough to execute her lower blade parry...
Physically more powerful, Koloth will begin to drive Dax
backward -- to continuing defensive postures...
32 E.C.U. - DAX'S FACE
Intense concentration -- being forced into almost constant
defense...
DAX
Come now, Koloth... surely you can
take me down...
33 E.C.U. - KOLOTH'S FACE
Implacable; unflappable -- but having to work a lot harder
than he'd anticipated -- and for a longer time as well...
He's in total command, but can't put her away.
34 RESUME - SERIES OF SHOTS
as the battle continues. We now hear (somewhere beyond our
view in the fog) the holosuite (o.s.) door close. And OVER
the clanging of the bat'leths, we may hear the (o.s.)
footsteps of...
35 KANG & KOR
They become discernable through the fog as they get closer
to the action... and stand watching it.
36 FULL SHOT
Now with an audience, the one-sided duel goes on with
ferocity. Koloth still can't put her away -- and it's evident
to the observers.
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - 01/25/94 - ACT TWO 29.
37 KANG
... his scrutiny of the duel intense, sees that she's bending
but not breaking. He's testing her heart and resolve with
his eyes, even as Koloth is overmatching her with the blades.
38 E.C.U. - KOLOTH'S FACE
Has the upper hand, of course -- but now sweating to maintain
it.
39 RESUME - FULL SHOT
Suddenly, Dax finds one chance, one fleeting opening in his
attack, and reverses her footing -- driving forward on the
attack...
KOR
There's tension on your face, Koloth.
You ought to drink more.
Koloth finally stifles her attack, and... perhaps annoyed by
Kor's remark; perhaps being "embarrassed" enough to become
over-adrenalized, Koloth executes a "windmill" attack, the
defense against which puts Dax off balance. As quickly as
with every other move of the duel, Dax goes flat on her butt.
40 CLOSE - KOLOTH
Weapon raised for the final death blow; face contorted by
the blood-rush of deadly combat; it appears for a fraction
of a second that his very momentum itself will carry him
through to that final, actual, death blow.
41 DAX
Breathless as she sits there, waiting to die or not to die
at his hands. But still unflinching and bold-eyed.
42 RESUME - FULL SHOT
Koloth stops himself -- lowers his bat'leth. Both of them
badly out of breath:
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - 01/25/94 - ACT TWO 30.
42 CONTINUED:
KOLOTH
Stand up.
Dax rises.
KOLOTH
(to Dax)
Your presence against the Albino
will honor our cause.
Dax nods with honor.
KOR
(happily)
Now that's a surprise from the great
stone face.
KANG
(to Dax)
Releasing you from Curzon's oath was
not enough; I can see that now.
KOR
(expansively happy)
It is agreed then!
KANG
No.
As all eyes turn toward leader Kang:
43 ON KANG - CLOSE
There is a hard finality in his expression.
KANG
(beat; to Dax)
I tell you now that you will not be
a part of this quest.
HOLD on Kang's uncompromisingly hard face, until we...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 01/26/94 - ACT THREE 31.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
44 INT. QUARK'S - UPPER LEVEL - OUTSIDE HOLOSUITE
Dax, Kang, Koloth and Kor emerge from the (o.s.) holosuite.
Kor's COUGH seems worse than it's been.
KOR
(to Kang)
Why do you dismiss her like some
useless t'ooho'mIrah?
(abruptly starts
COUGHING)
KANG
(to Kor)
We cannot go into an enemy stronghold
with your sickly chest announcing
us.
KOR
There is nothing wrong with my chest.
KOLOTH
Nothing that won't get us killed
before we reach battle. Come.
(hand on Kor's arm)
KOR
(shrugs off hand)
I need no nurse's hand.
As Kor is being escorted away by Koloth, Dax never takes her
eyes off Kang, a long beat. He looks away from her stare,
uncomfortable with all this, moves to a table and sits. Dax
follows.
45 DAX & KANG
now seated facing each other. Kang sullen, trying to be
remote... but there is more going on here than we understand
yet. He does not want her to go... but not for the reasons
he says.
DAX
(quiet but firm)
You can't deny my right for vengeance.
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - 01/25/94 - ACT THREE 32.
45 CONTINUED:
KANG
You try to speak as a Klingon but
the words do not fit in your mouth.
DAX
You've said that to me before.
Remember, Kang?
KANG
I do not care to discuss it further.
DAX
The Korvat colony. The first day of
negotiations. I walked out on you
that day. Right in the middle of
that long-winded speech of yours.
You should have seen the look on
your face. Nobody ever had the
kajunpak't to show his back to the
great Kang until Curzon did.
Kang relaxes slightly into the memory, enjoying it.
KANG
I almost killed Curzon that day.
DAX
(grins)
I know. I half-expected to feel a
Klingon dagger in my back before I
reached the door. I was afraid you
could hear my knees knocking together.
KANG
(smile)
Is that what that noise was?
DAX
I knew I had to get you very very
angry if my mission was to succeed.
Getting you angry at me was the only
way to begin to create the bond
between us.
KANG
Curzon understood Klingons.
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 01/26/94 - ACT THREE 33.
45 CONTINUED: (2)
DAX
And he understood what he was doing
when he took a Klingon blood oath.
Kang frowns, looks away.
DAX
You can't expect me to stay here and
not avenge my own godson's murder.
You can't ask me to live with that
dishonor.
KANG
I cannot dishonor myself by permitting
you to die in Curzon's place.
DAX
Who's talking about dying. I have
no intention of dying.
Without realizing it, Dax has moved too close to the truth...
Kang stands, moves away from the table, stands overlooking
the Promenade... Dax rises, speaks to his back..
DAX
You dishonor yourself already, Kang...
by placing your own honor above mine.
No Klingon warrior would leave a
comrade behind while he goes off to
battle. Perhaps you're right.
Klingon honor isn't what it used to
be.
He turns, furious.
KANG
You wish to anger me again! You
think the old trick will work twice?!
DAX
(evenly)
I understand Klingons.
KANG
(even more angrily)
Fine then! Let it work! Come and
fight with us. Come and be damned.
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 02/08/94 - ACT THREE 34.
45 CONTINUED: (3)
Kang storms off, leaving...
46 DAX
looking after him -- relieved to have won her argument;
perplexed at the extent of his anger. HOLD on her for a
long beat.
47 OMITTED
48 INT. DAX'S QUARTERS
Dax begins to pack some essentials into a duffel bag. It
continues during the scene. A chime.
DAX
Come in.
SISKO ENTERS. Dax realizes that Kira has talked to him.
DAX
I was just about to come see you.
SISKO
No.
DAX
No what.
SISKO
No leave of absence.
DAX
Kira shouldn't have told you.
SISKO
She's my first officer.
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 02/08/94 - ACT THREE 35.
48 CONTINUED:
Sisko grabs Dax by the shoulders, firmly but gently, and
pulls her away from her packing chores...
DAX
I don't have to tell you what this
oath meant to Curzon.
SISKO
Jadzia Dax took an oath too... when
she joined Starfleet. You're subject
to orders, Lieutenant.
DAX
Don't do it, Benjamin. Don't make
me disobey a direct order.
A beat. Frustrated, Sisko moves away...
SISKO
I never understood this. I mean,
whatever else he was, Curzon did
have a fundamental morality. He
wouldn't condone murder any more
than I would. And yet he swore to
kill this Albino. And now you plan
to go out and kill in his name.
What about the laws of the Federation?
DAX
The Klingons have their own set of
laws, Benjamin... this is justice to
them...
SISKO
And to you... ?
DAX
I've chosen to respect their codes
of honor in this matter, yes.
She finishes packing.
SISKO
(softer)
You really think you're capable of
this?
A slow push to Dax... a beat...
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 02/08/94 - ACT THREE 36-38.
48 CONTINUED: (2)
DAX
I don't know. There's only one way
to find out, isn't there.
SISKO
Let's say you are. Let's say you
even survive this insanity. You
expect to just come back here and
resume your duties as though nothing's
happened... ?
DAX
I guess that'll be up to you.
She picks up her bag, and EXITS.
49
thru OMITTED
50
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 01/26/94 - ACT FOUR 39.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
51 EXT. SPACE - BIRD OF PREY (OPTICAL) (STOCK)
Establishing. Traveling at warp.
52 INT. BIRD OF PREY - BRIDGE (VPB)
Dax (no longer in Starfleet uniform), Kang, Koloth and Kor
around console with a graphic representation (which we needn't
see in exact detail) showing the Albino's lair and surrounding
terrain.
KANG
The compound is constructed of
riddinite. Several walls separate
the main residence from the rest of
the grounds...
(pointing)
His main power source is here...
that's an armory there...
KOLOTH
Any information about the position
of the sentries?
KANG
(acknowledges)
They're posted at standing intervals,
seventy-five meters apart, along the
perimeter.
DAX
Standing? No patrols?
KANG
That's what I was told.
Dax shakes her head, that's hard to believe.
KOR
Perhaps he thinks we are already
dead and have stopped chasing him.
DAX
Or perhaps he has made his defenses
look weak for our benefit.
Koloth thinks about it, turns to Kang.
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 02/08/94 - ACT FOUR 40-40A.
52 CONTINUED:
KOLOTH
She may be right.
DAX
We have to assume the guards patrol
the perimeter... but at seventy-five
meters apart, they'd be out of eye
contact with each other...
KOR
He wouldn't be that stupid. We should
expect them to be no farther than
fifty meters apart.
KANG
(impatient)
Fine. It makes no difference...
DAX
Doesn't it? If we accept that he
has adequate defenses, with a minimum
of fifty guards, then we ought to
use a N'yengoren strategy.
KANG
No!
Kang rises, raging... pacing... inspiring.
KANG
I will not sneak into his bedroom
and murder him like a kah'plakt. I
want him to see us coming for him.
He moves back to the display...
KANG
I say we attack here... a bold assault
right at the main threshold. The
guards will be too scattered to
respond in time. We will overwhelm
the defenders and fight on to a
glorious victory.
Koloth rises, committed.
KOLOTH
Or to a glorious death.
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 02/08/94 - ACT FOUR 41.
52 CONTINUED: (2)
Kor rises, smiles, committed.
KOR
It is a good day to die.
Koloth and Kor look to Dax, but Kang does not... he turns
away from her look... she finally rises, softly adds her
quiet but firm voice to the pledge.
DAX
It is a good day to die.
Koloth looks to Kor...
KOLOTH
Come on, old comrade. For the last
time, we'll sharpen our blades.
They exit, leaving Dax alone with Kang... who still avoids
her look.
DAX
So. We're talking about dying again.
KANG
A Klingon warrior is always prepared
to die.
DAX
Yes. But to invite death with a
direct assault against a superior
force... ?
(he avoids her look,
a beat)
What are you doing, Kang... What is
really going on here...
Kang is silent, avoids her look.
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 02/08/94 - ACT FOUR 42-42A.
52 CONTINUED: (3)
DAX
(continuing)
Loyalty blinds Kor and Koloth, but
not me. This is not a plan for battle --
it is a plan for suicide. If it
were someone else, I would almost
think you'd been paid to lure us
here.
KANG
(devastated)
How can you say that to me? I took
a blood oath with you.
DAX
Is this the reason you didn't want
me to come? Because you knew you
were coming here to die?
A long silence. Softer --
KANG
(almost desperately)
When the amulet arrived with the
location of the Albino, I went to
the Secarus system to see if it was
true. Somehow, the instant I arrived
the Albino knew I was there.
DAX
(reacts)
How did you know?
KANG
He contacted me. He sent an
invitation... to one last glorious
battle. He said he is tired of this
lifelong pursuit. He swore to send
forty of his strongest and most
skilled guards against us in honorable
combat. And I agreed.
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 02/08/94 - ACT FOUR 43.
52 CONTINUED: (4)
DAX
But why?
KANG
This is our last chance. If we cannot
reach the Albino, we can at least
die an honorable death trying to
reach him. A death a Klingon Dahar
Master deserves!
A long beat. Dax shakes her head, deceptively casual,
changing the formality of all this stuff.
DAX
You know what, Kang? You Klingons
embrace death too easily. You treat
death as a lover. I think living is
a lot more attractive. I think an
honorable victory is a lot better
than an honorable defeat.
KANG
I know the Albino's defenses. There
is no chance of victory here.
A long beat. Dax considers the dilemma... slowly formulating
a plan...
DAX
What if they had no phasers. That
might make our odds a little better,
don't you think?
KANG
(unconvinced)
How do you intend to disarm them
all?
A beat as she finishes formulating the plan on her feet...
nods, it would work...
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 01/26/94 - ACT FOUR 44.
52 CONTINUED: (5)
DAX
Once we establish a low orbit, we
modulate your disruptor banks to
bombard the compound with tetryon
particles... every directed energy
weapon will be neutralized...
KANG
You're certain such a thing can be
done?
DAX
If Curzon were here, you'd be out of
luck. But Jadzia Dax is a science
officer.
Kang takes a moment to realize the consequences of this.
KANG
We would also be unable to use our
disruptors. But who among them could
match our skills with the bat'leth?
DAX
Not many.
He studies her with new appreciation.
DAX
We're forty minutes away from the
Secarus System. I suggest we cloak
and then you and I, old friend, should
sharpen our blades too.
As he smiles with new confidence...
KANG
Perhaps... it is a good day to live!
53 EXT. SPACE - BIRD OF PREY (OPTICAL)
Traveling at warp.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 01/26/94 - ACT FIVE 45.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
54 EXT. SPACE - SECARUS FOUR (OPTICAL) (STOCK)
Establishing.
55 EXT. COMPOUND - DAY (ESTABLISHING) MATTE SHOT
(OPTICAL)
Several alien guards with ominous
masked faces (perhaps akin to Ninja
masks) on patrol.
56 EXT. FOREST SITE #1
Dax, Kang, Koloth and Kor under cover. The three Klingons
wear d'k tahg knives and bat'leths. Dax is reading the lay
of the land with her tricorder...
DAX
You say he promised you an honorable
battle...
KANG
That's right.
DAX
Hand to hand combat at the main
threshold... ?
Kang acknowledges. Dax hands him the tricorder.
DAX
(continuing)
Take a look at this.
As he does...
DAX
That looks like a gravitic mine
planted under the main threshold.
KOLOTH
He plans to detonate it the moment
we enter the compound.
KOR
That's what you get for making a
deal with the devil, Kang.
Kang frowns at his error in judgement.
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 01/26/94 - ACT FIVE 46.
56 CONTINUED:
DAX
On the other hand, this gives us an
advantage we wouldn't have had
otherwise. He's expecting us at the
front door.
KOR
How do we know he's even inside?
DAX
Good question.
KOLOTH
(getting up)
Wait here.
KOR
Where are you going?
KOLOTH
To find out if he's inside.
KOR
How do you intend to do that?
KOLOTH
(shrugs)
Ask someone.
He disappears. Kang refers to a PADD with a map display --
KANG
We would be wise to shut down his
sensor array before we attack.
(pointing to the PADD)
It's controlled from this power
station...
KOR
Yes, but a power failure will signal
our presence. At the same time you
shut down the sensors, I will create
a diversion at the armory to misdirect
their response...
DAX
A good strategy. But whoever creates
that diversion will have to run all
the way across this field to escape...
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 01/26/94 - ACT FIVE 47.
56 CONTINUED: (2)
DAX (Cont'd)
... with all due respect, none of you
are as quick as you once were. I'll
volunteer for that job.
KANG
Agreed.
57 EXT. COMPOUND - DAY - CLOSE ON FIRST LOOKOUT
On a small cleared rise, a First Lookout (face partially
covered by a thick veil) sits relaxedly staring out across
the forest. The very tip of a bat'leth ENTERS FRAME to very
gently brush his shoulder -- and then pull back again OUT OF
FRAME. Absently, the First Lookout brushes his hand across
the spot where the slight itch was created. Beat -- then
the bat'leth ENTERS FRAME again; this time to touch his
shoulder just a bit harder. The First Lookout quickly stares
up at the source -- and his mouth drops open. As we follow
his gaze, PULL BACK and WIDEN to discover Koloth -- his
bat'leth now against the First Lookout's throat.
58 EXT. FOREST SITE #1 - DAY
Dax, Kang and Kor still poring over the map layout on a
PADD...
KANG
It seems our best entry would be
here...
They react as the camera moves to find Koloth beside them...
KOLOTH
I encountered a helpful lookout.
The Albino is inside.
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 01/26/94 - ACT FIVE 48.
58 CONTINUED:
KOR
His overconfidence will be the death
of him.
Pointing to the map of the house's interior...
KOLOTH
This is where he is now. But when
the attack begins, he will move to a
secured command post... here...
KANG
It will be midday in one hour...
can you create the diversion at the
armory by then... ?
DAX
I think so...
KANG
We will be in position at the power
station...
She nods... as Kang holds out his hand and the others put
theirs on top of his...
KANG
May Kahless guide us on this day of
vengeance.
They separate... Dax going one way, the Klingons another...
(Dax takes a small knife but hands her bat'leth to one of
the others... she needs mobility... )
59 OMITTED
60 GUARD
moves along an outer wall of the power center... as he reaches
a corner, he is engulfed with Klingons, knocked back with
the force of Kor's bat'leth blow... they quickly move toward
the power center...
61 ANOTHER LOCATION NEAR THE ARMORY - ANOTHER GUARD
DAX (O.S.)
Excuse me...
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 01/26/94 - ACT FIVE 49.
61 CONTINUED:
Revealing her as he reacts confused...
DAX
I seem to be lost. Which way to the
tennis courts?
And hey, she's an attractive young woman, how's he supposed
to know, and it only takes that moment of hesitation for Dax
to do a quick Trill karate move with her elbow to his neck
and he folds to the ground...
62 EXT. COMPOUND & OUTBUILDING (FROM OUTSIDE WALL)
63 DAY MATTE (OPTICAL)
HOLD... Long Beat... Then suddenly the (largely o.s.) armory
building blows sky high.
ON UPPER BALCONY
The doors burst open from within -- and through the smoke,
we see the ALBINO -- an all-white humanoid in good physical
shape for a man of a hundred -- come rushing onto the
balcony... people are yelling, scurrying about, confusion
reigns... he is stunned -- and angry.
64 EXT. COMPOUND - DAY
Dax races across the clearing from the explosion site toward
the (o.s.) compound building.
65 ANGLE - SEVERAL GUARDS
appear on the walls behind her... they raise their phaser
rifles to fire at her... but the weapons don't work... they
adjust them, try again... nothing... on their confusion...
66 DAX
makes good her escape...
67 INT. COMMAND POST - DAY (VPB)
Massive iron-like main doors, a bank of security monitors
with graphic displays we don't have to see. An archway leads
in from an o.s. corridor.
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT FIVE 50.
67 CONTINUED:
Through the archway, the infuriated Albino rushes in.
Angry as he is, the Albino is nonetheless a cold, calm
customer. He's smart and there's no panic in him.
ALBINO
Report.
He moves to study the monitors...
GUARD
The armory's been sabotaged... I'm
diverting the forward patrols to
that area...
ALBINO
Cancel those orders... move all guards
to the inner defense line... make
sure the power station is secure...
The head guard nods to another guard who goes off to carry
out those orders...
GUARD
None of the phasers are functioning...
ALBINO
(reacts)
Not functioning?
GUARD
We're running diagnostics now...
ALBINO
(urgent)
Use long range sensors to check for
interference from a cloaked ship in
orbit... In the meantime, have the
guards fix kuttars to their rifles
and prepare for hand-to-...
Suddenly the banks of monitors go to static... the lights in
the room go out... a few emergency light cells come on... on
their reactions...
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 01/26/94 - ACT FIVE 51.
68 EXT. COMPOUND - AREA INCLUDING STEPS TO POWER
STATION
Kang, Koloth and Kor barge out of
the station -- leaving billowing
smoke emanating from the structure
behind them. Two guards arrive late.
Koloth and Kang take them out with
their bat'leths with ease. Dax
arrives at a corner and joins them
(takes her bat'leth back)... they
move toward the house.
69 INT. COMMAND POST - DAY
As before. Guards arriving from various places... lots of
scurrying... fixing really deadly looking bayonets to their
rifles... the head guard trying desperately to make the
security system work again... shakes his head...
GUARD
I can't make contact with the power
station...
ALBINO
They must have already broken through
the inner defense line. Move the
perimeter guards into the house...
GUARD
Sir, without power, we have no
communications...
The Albino rages for the first time, grabs his aide and pushes
him roughly toward the door...
ALBINO
Then get out there and tell them
yourself. I don't want that Klingon
filth to get in this...
He never finishes...
70 ON MASSIVE CLOSED DOORS (LOW ANGLE)
Suddenly, the massive doors are literally blown inward. As
the debris and some of the smoke clears -- backlit by the
diffused light playing on the smoke -- loom the silhouettes
of the legs-apart, ready-for-action quartet of Dax, Kang,
Koloth and Kor.
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - 01/25/94 - ACT FIVE 52.
71 REACTIONS
The Assistant and guards are stunned into momentary
immobility by the sudden explosion and being faced with the
spectre of these (o.s.) half-mad seeming Klingons.
72 KANG
takes one step forward... to the Albino --
KANG
Look upon your executioners, killer
of children.
73 THE ALBINO
ALBINO
Get them!
74 DAX, KANG, KOLOTH & KOR
Rush forward, in slightly varying directions, to take on all
comers.
75 VARIOUS GUARDS
Reacting -- moving forward now to meet the challenge.
76 WIDE ANGLE
Dax, Koloth, Kang and Kor have engaged the guards. Bat'leths,
kuttars and knives start clanging.
77 THE ALBINO
moves back away from the fight...
78 KANG & THE HEAD GUARD
square off...
79 SERIES OF VERY QUICK SHOTS (ALL AS ONE FLUID
SEQUENCE)
The 1st guard thrusting;
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 01/27/94 - ACT FIVE 53.
79 CONTINUED:
Kor's bat'leth arcing down through the air; The 2nd guard's
face contorting with pain; Koloth's ever-cool face moving to
the side, avoiding the thrust of a blade which passes his
ear.
The 3rd guard reeling backward, on his way down BELOW FRAME;
Dax reversing the blades of her bat'leth to parry a thrust
from...
A 4th guard who's giving it all he's got, but can't put her
away... she feints, he stumbles... she nails him in the jaw
with a Trill karate forearm move and he goes down... another
guard engages her immediately... (and please note, Dax goes
out of her way not to kill anyone, but to defend her comrades,
protect herself and disable the adversaries... )
80 FAVORING KOLOTH
An extraordinary display of defensive skill... as he fights
off and puts away one... two... three guards in quick
succession... but then a fourth gets him from a three-quarter
rear angle in his flank... he goes down, badly wounded..
81 ANGLE - KOR
sees Koloth go down to one knee in pain... his adversary
raising his arm in a death blow...
KOR
Koloth!
He kicks the guard he's fighting in the stomach, shoving him
into a collision with the guard who was about to kill
Koloth... the two of them turn at Kor and charge back at
him... and he smiles...
KOR
That's right. Gang up on the fat
old man...
And he's back at Klach D'Kel Brakt again... he's twenty
again... and with his lightning quick bat'leth he fights,
the two younger guards retreat under the assault -- back,
back, back... an incredible flurry of moves until they fall
over backward in unison over a table, hitting their heads on
the floor... Kor quickly moves to check on Koloth...
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 01/26/94 - ACT FIVE 54.
81 CONTINUED:
KOLOTH
(ruefully)
I didn't see him coming...
KOR
Even you can't have eyes in the back
of your head, my friend... quiet
now, rest... I still have work to
do...
Another guard engages Kor...
82 WIDE
to show Dax and Kang pushing the guards protecting the Albino
deeper into the room...
83 THE ALBINO
seeing the battle turn against him, now retreats quickly,
looking to escape, but he is met by Kang, who blocks his
exit... the Albino raises his weapon, ready to fight...
ALBINO
You will die far quicker than your
son did, Kang.
Their fight begins.
84 KOR
reacts, his eyes popping wide with the surprise of a wound
(which evokes a YELL of rage); he swipes at his assailant
and puts him down... but then sags near the dying Koloth...
85 KOR & KOLOTH - CLOSE
Kor runs his big paw soothingly across his friendly-enemy's
forehead.
KOLOTH
I will not die before you, you
thunderous bulk.
KOR
The story of your courage will never
die... I will sing the story... the
children of all Klingons will know
of this day...
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 01/27/94 - ACT FIVE 55.
85 CONTINUED:
Koloth looks at Kor a last time -- a gleam of real
friendship in his eyes... and then his head slumps over;
dead.
86 DAX
driving another opponent backward, the last guard still
standing...
87 KANG AND THE ALBINO
in a furious fight up the stairs... two old men, tired,
weakening... neither seems to have the death blow left within
him... The Albino is an excellent fighter... but Kang is
driven beyond reason... and finally Kang gets the upper hand
and the Albino is forced back and seems beaten when Kang
swings the bat'leth and it hits the banister and the sword
breaks in half... there is just an instant of shock and
vulnerability on his face as he realizes he is defenseless
and in that moment the Albino thrusts his bayonet through
Kang's chest and pulls it back out... Kang goes down... his
eyes look up with hatred at the Albino who doesn't laugh or
even smile but looks down and simply says...
ALBINO
No vengeance today, Kang.
He turns to escape and suddenly a bat'leth strikes the weapon
out of his hands, leaving him defenseless.
88 REVERSE ANGLE - DAX
stands there blocking the Albino's escape.
89 DAX & ALBINO
Dax faces him with a bat'leth at-the-ready.
90 ON KANG
Lying mortally wounded, he looks up at the final
confrontation.
91 DAX & ALBINO
She's armed, he's not. And she blocks his exit with the
bat'leth at his chest. But all he shows is sarcastic
confidence.
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 01/26/94 - ACT FIVE 56.
91 CONTINUED:
ALBINO
And who are you, girl?
DAX
You knew me as Curzon Dax.
ALBINO
The Trill. Of course.
(re: bat'leth)
You're far too young and lovely to
sport such a deadly weapon.
A beat. A huge moment of conflict for her. She seems to
droop a bit in her resolution and he picks up on it...
impatiently prodding her --
ALBINO
All right, then, use it if that's
what you came to do. Kill me in
cold blood. Run me through the belly
and cut out my heart... isn't that
what your blood oath promised?
(beat)
Or have you lost your appetite, my
dear.
92 ON THE ALBINO
He smiles... And, suddenly, we realize that the smile, and
the Albino himself, have stiffened and become frozen in place.
Like a toppling tree, he falls stiffly forward. And as he
falls we see the Klingon knife sticking out of his back...
and behind him, still standing, the weak, dying Kang. He
looks evenly at her, nods, it's okay that she couldn't bring
herself to kill him.
KANG
(weakly)
Thank you... for saving the death
blow for me... you have honored me,
one last time... godfather to my
son.
Kang sinks weakly down.
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 01/26/94 - ACT FIVE 57.
93
thru OMITTED
95
96 KOR
begins to move over, holding his wounded side...
97 OMITTED
98 ANGLE - KANG
on his back, close to death. Kor moves to him... kneels...
KANG
Koloth... ?
KOR
... He's dead.
As Dax moves closer to him... kneeling too... he looks at
her and smiles...
KANG
I was right, Dax. It is a good day
to die.
DAX
But never a good day to lose a friend.
DEEP SPACE: "Blood Oath" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT FIVE 58.
Kang nods weakly, closes his eyes at peace and at rest.
Dax gently puts the hand down, lowers her head in a silent
moment, controlling great sorrow...
Kor moves to look down at the dead Albino, begins to CHANT a
sacred Klingon funereal dirge...
KOR
(chanting, repeat as
needed)
Ki-naH-naH, lo-maytoo;
Ki-nah-nah, lo-maytaH;
ko-no-ma... Ko-no-mayy...
And as he puts his hand on the knife from his BELT (but
doesn't draw it), staring down at the chest of the Albino...
99 EXT. FOREST AND COMPOUND -- DAY
... his voice ECHOES across the expanse before us...
KOR (O.S.)
Ko-no-ma... Ko-no... MAAAY...
100 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL) (STOCK)
Re-Establishing.
101 INT. OPS
Kira, Sisko and N.D. Supernumeraries at their work. The
Turbolift arrives bearing Dax... back in uniform. Cleaned
up. She solemnly, clearly affected by what she's participated
in, walks to her station -- resumes her own work. She
exchanges a look with Sisko. Sisko looks at her with hard
disapproval, doesn't want to know. He simply walks into his
office.
102 ON KIRA
She looks over at Dax a long beat. Dax doesn't look at her.
103 FULL SHOT
Kira and Dax and everyone else working away as usual.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END